So – you want a puppy?

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Finding the right dog to suit yourself, your lifestyle and perhaps your family, is a difficult choice to make and not one to be entered into lightly. To see the joy in the introduction of a new puppy into a home especially where children are involved is very special, but the new puppy also brings responsibilities.

Each pedigree dog breed has its own characteristics and with over 200 different breeds there is an ideal breed of dog for everyone. You should consider all their characteristics and match them with your personality and lifestyle and then you are more likely to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your dog.

Before buying any pet – you need to consider:

  • Whether you want a male or female, puppy or adult?
  • How tall will it grow, coat type and length?
  • A dog’s lifespan is on average of 12 years, can you make the lifelong commitment to it?
  • Can you afford the cost of feeding it?
  • Can you afford all veterinary fees?
  • Is your home big enough for the dog you want?
  • Do you have the time to exercise the dog every day?
  • Is there someone at home for the puppy during the day — after all dogs get lonely just like humans?
  • Will you be able to spend time grooming, training and generally looking after your dog?
  • Can you answer YES to all of these questions? If you answer NO to any of these questions, perhaps you should think carefully before devoting the time or commitment to buying a dog.
  • A dog should never be a gift for anyone — unless that person has some involvement in the selection of the puppy and the life style considerations of the pup now and when it is an adult. Importantly – who will look after the dog when the child grows up and leaves home?

Dogs take time, care and love; and buying and owning one is a large undertaking.

Remember — A dog is not just for a life time, it is for their lifetime.

A lot of the information listed below is currently being reviewed & updated by our Health & Welfare and Education & Promotions sub-committees. New information is also being prepared by the different dog sport disciplines in the ACT. All of this work is being completed by volunteers and will take a little while to complete. This means this page is a work in process, and is always undergoing change.

BUYING A PUPPY:

 CARING FOR YOUR DOG:

 BREEDERS DIRECTORY:
Dogs ACT does not endorse one breeder over another but we have put together a list of those breeders who once in a while have puppies, which might suit your household & timeframes available.